Onondaga County residents could soon have more opportunities to weigh in on items that come before county legislators.
For decades, residents have only been allowed to comment at the beginning of a legislative session, right before legislators vote. The chairperson can also call a public hearing specific to an agenda item. Now the chamber’s Democratic majority is advancing a measure aimed at engaging the public earlier in the process. Chairwoman Nicole Watts said they want to offer the opportunity at the committee level where issues are discussed in more detail.
“Sometimes folks don't necessarily know when particular topics are on the table or who to go to about particular conversations that are really important to our decision-making process," she said at the Ways and Means Committee.
A majority of committee members would need to approve a hearing, which would then be publicly advertised. Legislator Elaine Denton said this allows lawmakers more time to consider public input well before they vote.
“Public hearings seem to come at the end when decisions have really been through this very long process," she said. "I think using public hearings in this way to hear from the public on matters that committees are really discussing is really important. The committees are where the work happens.”
Republican Floor Leader Brian May said more discussion is warranted before they approve any changes.
“I can't argue with giving the public an opportunity to weigh in on issues," he said. "I am uncomfortable with what's being proposed, how it's being proposed, the venue within which it is being proposed, and the authority given to program (committee) chairs to make that determination.”
May said public hearings should only be called at discretion of the legislature chair. He added he's also concerned about obligating more senior staff to attend committee meetings if hearings are scheduled.
Chairperson Watts says she doesn’t expect the hearings to be frequent or lengthy, and the measure would only be effective for the rest of the year.
“We're looking to try this on for size, to prioritize folks' time and energy," she said. "There will not be any county employees compelled to any of these things, either.”
Watts says clerks will prepare meeting minutes so everyone from county employees to legislators to the public will have access. The full legislature takes up the measure Tuesday.
